Will Anwar go for PKR presidency?

With the PKR elections to take place in mid-May, questions are being raised as to who will be leading the party as it sets itself to face the most important 14th general election.

While there have been calls for Anwar Ibrahim to take over the presidency of PKR, he has gone on record as saying that he is happy being the de facto leader of the party.

His wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ibrahim has held the presidency since the party was formed in 1998 when Anwar was in prison.

Many in the party want Anwar to take over the mantle. The calls were the loudest at the special congress two months ago but Anwar said that he is comfortable with his de facto leader status.

“I’m enjoying myself now, why should I?” he asked during the end of the special congress.

If Anwar decides not to take up the call, chances are strong that Azmin Ali, now Wan Azizah’s deputy, will go all out for the presidency.

Azmin is the Gombak MP and the state assemblyman for Bukit Antarabangsa.

Thus far, there have been no indication that anyone else is interested in the top post but these are still early days.

There are already calls for Anwar’s daughter Nurul Izzah to take over from her mother. PKR leaders in Borneo are keen on seeing Nurul as party president. She is presently the vice president.

Sources there claim that they are supportive of Nurul whose stand on various issues involving Sabah and Sarawak differs from Anwar’s views and echoes theirs.

When asked to comment today, Nurul Izzah said she would be making an announcement soon. Sources close to her insist that she would stick to her vice presidency post.

Tough contest

Meanwhile, another PKR source told FMT that deputy president Azmin may not have smooth ride in defending his deputy presidency in the party polls.

The source said that Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and PKR secretary general Saifuddin Nasution are also eyeing the deputy presidency slot.

“It almost confirmed that PKR president Wan Azizah will make way for her husband to helm the party.

“From what I know, Anwar is planning a major revamp in the party line-up in preparation for the next general election. So all eyes are on the coveted deputy presidency spot,” said the source.

Queried on Saifuddin’s close relationship with Azmin, the source said that the former Machang MP was closer to Khalid.

The source added that this was attributed to Khalid’s appointment of Saifuddin as his political liaison officer.

“But it may not even be a three-cornered fight for the party deputy presidency. I suspect that either Khalid or Saifuddin will make way for the other,” he said.

When asked if the duo will be a threat to Azmin, the source said that Khalid was not strong enough to undermine the Gombak MP’s influence in the party.

“There are only two people who could undermine Azmin, it is Saifuddin and Nurul.However, it is most likely that Nurul will just defend her vice presidency. So Azmin’s only threat now is Saifuddin.

“Despite losing in the general election, Saifuddin still enjoys some grassroots support in the party,” said the source.

However, the source added that despite being an influential figure in PKR, Azmin stands a higher chance of retaining his post, as he has Anwar’s support.

“Come rain or shine, Anwar will always back Azmin. The latter has been the former deputy prime minister’s hardcore loyalist from day one,” he said.

Youth post

A post that is certainly up for grabs is that of youth chief, currently held by Bukit Katil MP Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin.

“I will forgo my position as the youth chief since the cut off age is 35,” said Shamsul, adding that he had not decided whether to run for any other post.

There is talk in party circles that Selangor deputy speaker Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad is vying for the youth chief’s post.

Nik, 31, is Seri Setia state assemblyman and formerly head of the party’s communications office. He would not confirm whether he intends to replace Shamsul Iskandar.

“I’ll make an announcement when the time comes,” he said.

The only candidate who has announced his candidacy for the top youth post is Batu Caves state assemblyman Amirudin Shari.

Amirudin is 33 and serving his second term as an assemblyman.

He said in a press statement: “Having obtained the support of friends from PKR youth nationwide, I would like to offer myself as a candidate for the PKR Youth chief’s post during party polls this year.” -FMT